I recently watched a documentary on Netflix (thanks for the recommendation, Renee!) called Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones. The documentary shared the work of journalist Dan Buettner as he chronicled the lives of folks in five unique communities where people live long and vibrant lives. Buettner is a National Geographic Explorer and Fellow and he began to wonder about regions of the world where people seemed to live longer and also enjoy a high quality of life well into their old age. Were there commonalities that could help explain what was happening?
The Blue Zones first explored were: Okinawa, Japan, Sardinia, Italy, Ikaria, Greece, Nicoya, Costa Rica, and Loma Linda, California.* The central themes that Dan Buettner shared after spending time studying the lives of folks in Blue Zones, themes that could help to explain the long and vibrant lives people are living in these places included:
1.) Move Naturally (move more often by walking, gardening, taking the stairs, etc.)
2.) Eat Wisely (plant-based diets help)
3.) Outlook (manage stress and have purpose in life)
4.) Connect (spend time with family and friends)
It was interesting to see and hear how people live in these various communities. Daily life was not the same in Okinawa, Japan and Nicoya, Costa Rica in the least! Though the commonalities were clear. Moving and eating wisely seem like no-brainers when it comes to our health. But having purpose in our lives and connecting with friends and family matters a great deal for our overall health as well. It was fascinating to see just how important one’s outlook in life and social connections can be to help people live longer (and happier) lives. That whole mind/body/spirit connection at work once again.
Just some thoughts to share this week after pondering the secrets of the Blue Zones.
And, see you in church (which may just improve your outlook, deepen senses of connection, and help you live happily to 100, just sayin’!)
Love,
Pastor Lauren
*”Original Blue Zones Exploration,” https://www.bluezones.com/exploration/#section-1
Thursday Thoughts 3/20/25
Lauren Ostrout ~ on being made well 